As the global community observes World Mental Health Day 2024, the World Health Organization (WHO) has called on employers, governments, and individuals to make mental health in the workplace a top priority. This appeal was made by Dr. Matshidiso Moeti, WHO Regional Director for Africa, in a statement released on Thursday in Jalingo.
Dr. Moeti highlighted the dual impact of work on individuals’ lives, noting that it can either contribute positively or negatively to mental well-being. “A healthy work environment not only provides structure and purpose but also fosters social connections, giving individuals a sense of personal value and identity,” she stated.
However, she warned that poor working conditions, discrimination, harassment, and lack of job security can significantly contribute to mental health challenges.
This year’s theme, “Healthy Minds at Work: Prioritizing Mental Health in the Workplace,” aims to emphasize the importance of a healthy work environment in enhancing well-being, productivity, and social connections.
Statistics reveal that poor mental health in the workplace is an escalating concern, with depression and anxiety leading to a significant loss of productive work hours, costing the global economy approximately $1 trillion annually.
Dr. Moeti urged for urgent actions to protect, promote, and support mental health in the workplace. She called upon governments, employers, and individuals to create supportive environments that prioritize mental well-being.
“Governments are encouraged to review employment and health policies to ensure they address mental health as robustly as physical health. Aligning laws with international human rights standards and creating pathways between health and employment services can help reduce discrimination and support workers with mental health conditions,” she emphasized.
In conclusion, Dr. Moeti stressed the need for collective commitment to invest in mental health in the workplace, asserting, “Investing in people is the best investment any organization can make.”
